Prep State Swimming: Michael Klemm reaches second day in diving

EVANSTON - Christian Life's Michael Klemm was nervous through his first three dives during Friday's preliminaries at the IHSA state boys swimming and diving meet.

The senior was able to overcome them and posted a 316.60 score for third place to advance to today's final round.

"I did ok," said Klemm, a three-time state qualifier. "I am happy where I am, but I think I could have done a lot better."

Klemm said his third and fourth dives put him in a tough position. He came in seeded No. 2 out of 48 divers in the competition.

"Those dives weren't so good, but in my last three dives, I was able to come back," he said.

With his late surge, Klemm remains in contention for a state diving title in a field of 12. Competition begins at 1 p.m. Saturday. Chicago Heights Marion junior Joey Cifelli, who was last year's runner-up, leads the event with a 346.50 score, while Wilmette Loyola Academy freshman Christopher Canning is second at 319.40.

"I have to get rid of the nerves," Klemm said. "This meet is only once a year, so it takes some time to get adjusted. I am happy where I am at. I look forward to tomorrow and making my senior year a good one and also for (coach) Gene (Cassioppi) in his last season."

Klemm was the only area diver or swimmer to qualify in the top 12 and reach today's championship or consolation finals.

Ainsworth, a junior, also saw action in both the 100 butterfly (30th, 53.68) and the 100 breaststroke (44th, 1:02.74) events.

"It was a real fun meet for all of us," Ainsworth said. "It's really for the experience at this point. My performances weren't at best, but they were still very good. It was a fun meet and I had a good time."

Boylan senior Mickey Rodriguez, who had state cut times in both the 100 and 200 freestyle races at the Jefferson Sectional, finished 25th in the 100 free (47.90) and 33rd in the 200 free (1:46.53). Titans' teammate Johnny Bravo took 35th in the 50 free at 22.46.

"Going to state is something I am not going to forget," said Rodriguez, who also swam on the team's 400 free relay with Bravo, Graham Alt and Tyler Piddie that placed 30th at 3:21.49. "The team is like my family. It's so much fun. Being able to qualify in my own individual events definitely made the experience a lot more memorable."

In his first state appearance, Rockford Christian's Jared Ekberg finished 26th in the 200 IM at 2:00.47 and 28th in the 100 back at 53.56. Ekberg, who had state cut times at sectionals in both events, became the boys program's first state swimmer to qualify.

"I didn't realize how insane it would be until I got here," said Ekberg, a junior. "I wasn't nervous at all until I stepped on my block for my first race (200 IM). My heart started to beat and I was like, "alright, let's do this."

Auburn sophomore Connor Bullard finished 38th in the 500 free with a time of 4:51.62 in his state debut.